To be scared stiff about Rishi Sunaks plans for disabled people

[AssaultOnDisabledPeople]

Both me and my son are disabled. He is severely autistic with ADHD requiring round the clock care. I have a myriad of health problems myself and haven't been able to work since a close call with sepsis left me disabled in 2019. Prior to that I worked 40 hours a week, all of my adult life.

DS receives DLA and I was awarded the LCWRA (I think that's what it's called?) part of universal credit. We scrape by as it is, with almost every bit of our money going on bills and food. We don't have luxuries and despite careful planning I'm still in (a small amount) of debt.

I'm absolutely terrified that they're going to stop our benefits.

The Rwanda plan seemed bonkers yet that has gone through.

I'm really scared 😔

How realistic is my worry? Is it as good as set in stone already? Can it be reversed?

He has announced something that they will look at doing after the election.

One they are likely to lose the election, that's why he is getting desperate with the Rwanda stuff

Two even if they won he has said they will "consider it".

So, about as far from a done deal as it is possible to be. Otherwise known as bullshit to get in the papers.

Also, please apply for PIP for yourself, and for ESA if you have previously worked.

Apply for what you are entitled to.

The tories won’t be in power long enough to implement these plans. However, it would be a mistake to think that Labour will continue the status quo. The situation as it is - fewer people working and more claiming sickness benefits - is unsustainable. There will have to be some tough decisions taken.

I don’t think anyone will expect those who need 24-hour care to work though.

Their plans are completely unrealistic and bonkers. I am sure a few civil servants will come along to show them that the cost of over-hauling the system won't be recouped with any potential (and highly dubious) savings.
It's just electioneering at this point and isn't even a firmed up policy to take to parliament. I would not worry at all.

It’s his dying last breath to win voters. He knows the hard right are going with reform, and anyone with any sanity is voting Labour, so he’s trying to claw back votes.

Dont worry! I’m also disabled and it’s not causing me any stress. Just ignore the tiny little prick until the election, he’s bound to do more outrageous things until he’s gone!

I would say there are two reasons you should be worried.

1. They aren't going to win the next election.
2. As I understand (and hope) they aren't targeting disabled people, just those who don't work from choice.

@Cadela ignore the tiny little prick 🤣 that's cheered me up

Make sure you vote at the election. If you aren't able to get out easily to vote then register for a postal vote. This has to be done in advance so sort it soon.

Inform yourself of local politics and if necessary vote tactically

They're into the phase now of offering everyone a gold plated Rolls Royce if they thought it could head off electoral disaster, so probably best to see such announcements in that light

Put simply they're unlikely to be in long enough to enact anything now, though good luck expecting anything better under Labour

As I understand (and hope) they aren't targeting disabled people, just those who don't work from choice

The difficulty there is that many who really are gaming the system are clued up in what they're doing and know exactly what to say, so there can be a temptation to go for the lower hanging fruit when Plan A doesn't work out for the government

Doesn't change the issue that the Tories are unlikely to be in long enough to enact any of this though

Thank you for replying, I've been so worried.

I did apply for PIP and was refused in spite of a mountain of evidence and supporting letters from HCP's. I went through a grueling appeal and was refused again.

The assessor told blatant lies and her write up didn't reflect my case at all. It made for incredible reading, it was complete gaslighting. I intended to make a formal complaint but I felt completely hopeless and it was taking a toll on my mental health so I just gave up.

A couple of months later I applied for the LCWRA component of UC, was assigned a compassion assessor this time, and was awarded.

What are Rachel Reeves plans for those living with disability?

They said that with PIP too - it'll be given to those who need it. But many people are having to appeal which they then win.

Regarding your second point, Rishi has declared Rwanda to be a safe place.

The next step is to replace doctors with his employees who will declare disabled people to be fit and healthy.

Yes I have had that with PIP

I'm gearing up for a second attempt now and I'm mentally expecting the lies etc so hoping it will go better and I will win in the end.

I don't know, but turns out she's married to a director of the DWP

I'm sure she's her own woman of course, but doubtless there'll be some who'd rather keep that one under wraps

https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/activists-anger-after-they-discover-labour-frontbencher-is-married-to-dwp-director/

The tories are saying whatever mean things they can think of to try to keep their core I’m alright jack voters.
Ignore this. The tiny in mind and statured one is just rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic.

OP not sure if you could face PIP again but if you do you could use the ESA report as evidence.

Please try again. The most helpful thing we did when I was being reassessed (because the progressive MS that governs my life might have gone away) was see someone from CAB. They went through my whole application and the first report from the assessor and then wrote out the appeal for me. I got all I felt entitled to and actually a bit more as I always think I'm alright!

Rishi Sunak is a dead man walking. Even a lot of Tories do not support him. He is going and the Conservatives will lose the election.

Absolutely, the conservatives will be out at the next election. I just cynical about the idea that Rachel - Labour is not the party for those on benefits - Reeves, (apparently married to a head honcho at the dwp?) will be a tangible improvement for those who are disabled.

Unless we get to the g.e. and with the labour win she pulls off her face in the style of mission impossible only to reveal Gordon Brown, it'll be business as usual.

Can anyone provide a link where it says it's aimed at disabled people? I thought it was for long term unemployed who are able to work.

I do agree that if a person has anxiety then being at home long-term won't help.

Have you seen this?

Not sure anyone on PIP would vote tory if they have.

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/tory-plans-pip-no-longer-always-cash,-wca-harder-to-pass,-uc-migration-sooner,-no-gp-sick-notes,-dwp-power-to-arrest-and-fine?

amp.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/19/sunak-disability-benefit-curbs-sicknote-culture-pip

Specifically about disability benefits.

Like child benefit is paid if you have a child (unless you earn over a certain amount) PIP is for disabled people whether they are in work or not.

So not aimed at the unemployed, aimed at disabled people in work.

You can work full time AND have PIP. High rate PIP at that.

I thought it was aimed at the people who aren’t working by choice.

The tories wont get in anyway OP! You should reapply for pip.

That article is about benefits for people with mental health problems which anxiety and depression come under.